The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, will engage Nigerian photographers to explore ways to fight crime with photography at the forthcoming Abuja International Photo Festival.
The photo festival, taking place from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Exhibition Pavilion of the Abuja International Conference Centre, brings together photographers, visual storytellers and other professionals from around the world to explore how imagery can promote social reform and drive address challenges.
In exploring how to harness photography in combating crime, experts, during panel discussions at the festival, will examine ways to counter the deployment of Artificial Intelligence generated images in criminal activities, especially cybercrime and misinformation.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the event, the festival’s founder, Osaze Efe, disclosed that 1,500 photographers are expected at the 2025 edition of the Abuja Photo Festival.
Efe, who highlighted the role of the festival in youth empowerment, noted that through the platform, lots of Nigerian youths have been taken off the streets, thereby escaping possible involvement in criminal activities.
He added that the festival has also provided a platform for Nigerian photographers to explore opportunities in the photography industry, which has an estimated value of N250 billion.
According to him, over the years, the festival has mentored more than 500 young photographers, many of whom are now practicing professionals using their art to tell stories that challenge injustice and promote community awareness.
“These photographers have turned their passion into sustainable careers. They are unlocking opportunities in an industry valued at over N250 billion and proving that creativity can be both a tool for advocacy and economic empowerment.
“Through photography, we are shaping conversations around identity, environment, migration and human connection. Beyond creativity, we are equipping young people with skills that enable them to earn a living and use their cameras as instruments of change.
“Now in its ninth year, the Abuja International Photo Festival has grown into one of Africa’s most significant platforms for visual culture,” Efe said.
The theme for the 2025 Abuja International Photo Festival is ‘A World Connected’. Efe noted that the theme underscores the belief that visual storytelling can transcend language and geography, linking people through shared emotions and experiences.
“In a world defined by both digital connection and social fragmentation, photography remains a tool of truth, empathy, and hope.
“Through this festival, we are reaffirming our collective belief that art can change perspectives, influence policy, and build a more connected society,” he stressed.
Also speaking at the press conference, the representative of the UNODC, Cheikh Toure, explained why the UN agency decided to participate in the event.
According to Toure, UNODC is committed to using creative platforms to address social challenges.
“Festivals like this can form the basis to fight crime, engage the youth, and provide them with platforms to earn a living. The world is shifting, and the role of photography is essential as photos speak volumes.
“That is why the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is proud to be part of this exhibition — to use imagery as a platform to curb crime, drug abuse, and promote positive youth engagement,” Toure said.
He further noted that the collaboration reflects UNODC’s broader mission to integrate cultural initiatives into social development and crime prevention strategies.
The festival, backed by institutions including, UNODC, UNESCO, EINAO Solutions, the Embassy of Sweden, the United Nations Office and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, will feature panel discussions on topics such as Women Evolving Through the Lens, Faces Beyond Date – Using Imagery to Advocate for Children Who Are Victims of Crimes and Drug Abuse, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and the Future of Visual Narratives, and The Role of Photojournalism in Combating Misinformation.
